Rating: 
Summary: An essential guide for parents and professionals
Review: I wish that this book had been published when my own son was first diagnosed with autism. It is certainly the first book that I would recommend to any parent of an autistic child.Autism is such a multifactorial and multifaceted disorder that most children seem to need several modes of intervention to help them achieve to their fullest potential. I wasted many months trying to gather information from different sources. However, in this one book, Lynn Hamilton succeeds in combining an inspiring and very personal story with the nitty gritty practical details of all the interventions which have helped her son. She describes behavioural therapy, diet, food and vitamin supplementation, secretin, and sensory and auditory integration. She provides both a personal and scientific background to each of these along with numerous references, and details of suppliers. There is a chapter written by Lynn's husband in which he shares how to survive as a family and maintain loving relationships. Also included is a short yet moving section provided by the mother of a boy who did not make dramatic progress despite many therapies. The whole book is written in an easily readable style, and packed with down to earth advice as well as information. I know from personal experience that, as a parent, the day that autism enters your life is a very black one indeed. This book will help to give you direction as to what you can do now, and it will help to give you hope for the future.
Rating:
Summary: There's Hope For Your Child Also
Review: I've just finished reading this book. At the end my reaction was, "What can I do to help a child with autism?" My 2 1/2 year old grandson has recently been diagnosed, but he's in Chicago and many of the suggestions for helping families are impossible for me because of the distance. I've finally determined I should find a local family that might need my help. My other reaction to the book is a determination to educate others in this subject. There are so many children now between two and five in the United States who are in the Autism spectrum that it is hard to believe how little understood this disorder is. Lynn takes you from before the diagnosis of her son to the present in which he is functioning socially as well as educationally. In between she describes the journey and doesn't allow you to imagine that it was easy. But, always she encourages the reader that help is available for the reader's family. Please read "Facing Autism". If you don't have a family member with autism, you'll be better educated when you meet such a family. If you do have a family member with autism, you'll acquire hope as well as knowledge.
Rating: 
Summary: The Compleat Parent
Review: If I had to subtitle this book, I'd borrow from Izaak Walton, and call it The Compleat Parent. I appreciate so much that Lynn Hamilton has included so many current methods, and experimental dietary and supplement trials in this book, even ones that didn't work for her son. So many times I have read of parents dismissing as snake oil something that simply was not right for their particular child. Autism is a spectrum disorder, and will require a spectrum of treatments, not every one effective for every child-- or adult. I also appreciate Hamilton's honesty about her frustrations with her son before he received appropriate treatment. Some parents think they are alone in being swept into anger when their child is out of control, so I am glad when parents admit this; if enough do, eventually all will feel safe in doing so. Sometimes diagnoses are missed when parents are afraid at first to admit exactly what their children do, because they are afraid to admit their reactions to it. My only reservation in recommending this book is the pervasive religious references in its text. I realize that the Hamiltons have been missionaries, and I realize that they turned to their faith when they learned of their son's autism, and that these are simply facts which it would be awkward to conceal. I also realize that most of the religious references were restricted to the beginning of the book, the family's personal story; the latter half, the general information about autism contains minimal references, but as far as I am concerned, one is too much here. I also realize she referred to family and community prayer efforts, as well as practical efforts to help her son as "Operation Rescue Ryan," and that this is a fact, not a piece of fiction invented for the book; nonetheless it jarred me. I am not a non-religious person; however, I do wish the book had come with some sort of caveat. Overall, the book is excellent, and readable, but if constant references to another's spiritual life will bother you, you've been warned.
Rating:
Summary: A precious gift for parents of new diagnosees
Review: If this book had been out when our son was diagnosed last year, he'd be six months further along in his recovery right now. So much wisdom and experience and current research that I've had to glean for myself is eloquently packaged up right here. In particular I hope the publishers will allow her list of "Ten Things You Can Do Right Now" to be photocopied and tacked up in every waiting room where autism is diagnosed; like the rest of this book it's not only rigorously practical, but also accessible to freshly-diagnosed parents who are still heartbroken and panicky and hoping it's all a mistake. If you're shopping on behalf of a friend, please buy this book for them; they will thank you profusely someday. If you're a professional working with recently diagnosed families, please order up a case and start handing them out like Halloween candy. Thank you Ms Hamilton for a magnificent contribution to our community.
Rating:
Summary: Considering Biomedical Interventions and ABA? Read this book
Review: If you are the parent of a young child with autism, then get going! Early intervention is important. I strongly suggest that you read this book, as it will help you understand about biomedical interventions and how they relate to your child. Lynn symplifies the information which would otherwise be indigestible, and gives practical advice that you can use. Her book is very encouraging as you start on what seems like a very daunting journey.
Yes, as noted by other reviewers, Lynn brings in her personal perspective and religious beliefs. However, it's her story, she can write it however she wants! Take out of it what is helpful to you, and don't worry about the rest. Her factual knowledge is correct and necessary to know when you are going down the biomedical and ABA path. Lynn's personal opinions may be encouraging to others who are happy to read them.
Believe me, there is no other guide book out there as useful when it comes to biomedical interventions. I know, I've read them all. Be grateful she wrote this book. I know I am.
Rating:
Summary: MUST HAVE FOR ALL PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM!
Review: Lynn Hamilton could have written the story of my experience in the first few chapters. Our son has just recently been diagnosed with autism. This book has been the most helpful of them all (and we have read A LOT). It should definitely be the first on the list for newly diagnosed families. Clear, concise, heartwarming and hopeful. Easy to understand with clear suggestions on what to do first (which can be the hardest to sort out). 5++Stars.
Rating:
Summary: When a parent has a recovered child, you listen to what they
Review: Lynn Hamilton had a normal little boy, then he "fell off a cliff" into a world of autism. Although being profoundly affected by the disorder, Ryan's mother was able to pull him out of it through tenaciously seeking out ABA and biochemical therapies. Through Mrs. Hamilton's efforts, her son Ryan is today recovered. It behooves the rest of us as parents to ask ourselves exactly what she did and if it wouldn't work for our children as well. The author gives us good insight into what worked for her and other current therapies that are having amazing results. Her writing is clear and directive. This is THE primer for any parent new to autism. --Mother of Olivia, 12 years old and improving from autism
Rating:
Summary: One of the best new books on autism!
Review: Lynn Hamilton's "Facing Autism: Giving Parents Reasons for Hope and Guidance for Help" has an amazing wealth of information on so many topics of interest. Lynn has researched and skillfully organized information on many different treatments and therapies. She describes in detail her experiences with Applied Behavior Analysis, provides information on cutting-edge biomedical treatments, and discusses dietary intervention. You will find explanations of sensory and auditory therapies, plus much more. A must-read guidebook for parents of autistic children. This is one book that I would not advise you check out from a library. I think you should have your very own copy. You will find that you want to underline information, mark pages, and have the book on hand for future reference. Lynn points you to helpful Internet sites, provides addresses for further information on many topics, gives practical tips on keeping records, tax deductions and funding sources. She lists ten things every parent can do right now to help their child. You will find pages and pages of solid, no-nonsense information for parents, especially those new to autism, and to help you find the resources you need.
Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ-BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE
Review: This book is excellent and should be read by every person before the start of the journey of Early Intervention. It gives you information and questions to ask before you knew you needed to ask them! It has a wonderful and thorough reference guide of Agencies, Corporations, Proffesionals and Education facilities at the end of each chapter. It is also written by a Mother who shares her experiences, offers her shortcuts straight to the information you need to know or need to get. I would consider this a HANDBOOK to get to the information and guide you through the system and redtape and emotions that go along with having a child with Autism.
Rating:
Summary: A must read!
Review: This book is truly a wealth of information.
| 
